‘Tis the season to be jolly and ’tis also the season of giving.
Over the weekend, our son had the privilege and opportunity to make a difference by being a volunteer bell ringer for the Salvation Army’s red kettle tradition. As many of you know, the bell ringing season runs until December 24. Their main goal is to raise donations for the families that need food, shelter, disaster relief, and much more.
As a member of the National Junior Beta Club whose strong emphasis not only focuses on good grades but on community service, as well, my son was more than excited to ring the bell. It was not something new to him since we’ve been seeing the red kettle as well as the bell ringers during the holiday season outside of storefronts around the city since we got here to the U.S. in 2010. Little did he know that someday he would be able to ring the bell himself.
There’s our handsome little bell ringer. There was actually a lady who donated and said, “Where did you find this handsome bell ringer?” That was so sweet of her.
My husband’s cousin is a Rotary Club member and he was the one who gave our little one the spot. On his shift was a Rotarian couple who were such nice people.
He sure had fun ringing that bell. Some kids who after donating asked if they could ring the bell as well. And they were given that opportunity. That was really a cute scene to watch.
The shift was for two hours and after only half an hour of being there, the red kettle was almost full and the couple had to shake it to make the money settle below. As per the husband, he thinks more money was given while our little one was there because he was so cute that they couldn’t resist giving. (“,)
Me and hubby were watching our little one the whole time he was ringing the bell. I wasn’t the one ringing the bell, but there was this feeling of joy and happiness knowing that our little one had made a difference.
That was really a wonderful day for us. It always feels good when you know you have helped in such a way, even though it was in a simple way.
I always try to help by putting money in those red buckets. My kids actually really love putting the money in, so we usually give them the money to put it in. It’s always great to help out when you can.
There were a lot of kids who put money in and some of them asked to ring the bell too. (“,)
Wow, he has the magic touch to collect donations! That’s fantastic, and he’ll always remember that!
Awww, that’s wonderful! I’m so glad he did such a great job! What a lovely memory for him!
How sweet is that? I always give when I can 🙂
This is so awesome! What a great deed he is doing!
Omg how wonderful!!! Love helping and giving back!
What a great deed. I can see why his pot was overflowing!
How great to learn about giving back! I love this!
What a cool thing he did. It’s so great to teach kids to give back.
I know, right? It’s always good to teach them how to give and share.
This is such a great cause! i always have change on me after leaving the store and it’s so easy to just drop it in!
So wonderful! So great to see kids giving back!
That is so nice. It’s really amazing to see him helping and giving back.
I feel amazed when kids take part on these events. It feels good!
It does feel good…very heart-warming. (“,)
Such a nice thing to do, got to love giving back!
How amazing is this! You must be so proud of your little boy!
I am so proud of him. Couldn’t be prouder. (“,)
It’s so lovely to see your son helping out with The Salvation Army. Such a great cause to support.
It is such a great cause to support. Thank you, Fiona. (“,)
Great experience for your son! I’m actually ringing bells today for the Salvation Army. It’s going to be a cold one — our high temperature is 39.
Good for you, Penny. It was chilly too when my son was ringing the bell. Good thing there was a heater blowing at us right where we were standing. 🙂
I always try to give at Christmas and anytime I can. Thanks for sharing and for the photos. Made me smile.
So do we. Thank you, Terri. (“,)
We always give to the red kettle. Definitely a good cause, and how fun for him to get to do that too!
It definitely is a good cause. And he surely had fun ringing the bell. (“,)
It is important to teach kids about giving back. I love to donate to the Salvation Army. They were there for my friend when her house burned down.
It is very important. I’m sorry for your friend. Glad Salvation Army was there to help her.
What a great way to volunteer your time and teach a valuable lesson. There are so many people that can use the help and it just takes someone to care enough.
I couldn’t agree more. (“,)
Love seeing the little ones doing good work. I always donate when I see the red kettle. It’s a must.
I love it too. (“,)
My son is in the National Beta Club and ran a food drive. I love that after all of these years, Salvation Army is still going strong.
You get an A+ in the parenting department. What a wonderful cause!
Thank you, Jennifer. You’re so sweet. (“,)
I salute to those people that spend their time doing this in store or anywhere. Sometimes I drop coins if I have. Kuddos to your son Sis, what a good example he is.
Thank you, Jessica. (“,)
Indeed give love on Christmas 🙂 It feels so good every time you are helping the less fortunate people. Your son is a good example of it 🙂
It definitely feels good. Thank you. (“,)
Sounds like he did an amazing job. I know that his time out there will help so many people.
He did. He had fun. (“,)
Awww I know you are super proud of him! What a great thing for him to do 🙂
We were really proud of him. (“,)
Awww, that is such a great experience for him. Great job Yogi!
It surely was an experience for him. (“,)
It is awesome that you are teaching him the gift of giving indeed. He is looks like he is having fun and I think it was sweet to let the other kids ring the bell also. Thanks for sharing. Kudos to him for being an awesome bell ringer.
Thank you, Rebecca. (“,)
It’s great that you guys are giving back, and great way to teach kids to help out. 🙂
We try to give back as much as we can. Thank you, Sharon. (“,)
NIce to know that you’re teaching your kid this act of kindness. Exposing him to this kinds of event will eventually make him a better person as he can be. 🙂
I truly believe so too. Thank you, Grace. (“,)
That is such a kind gesture to make for a good cause and during the season of giving. It’s also a great way to introduce our kids to community service and how it’s like to volunteer your time for the benefit of the less fortunate.
I always make it a point to donate something when I see the Salvation Army anywhere in NYC during our visits to the US. Just few days ago, I had the opportunity to donate few bucks for my favorite charity. 🙂 I’m glad your kiddo (and the parents as well) had a fab time! Next year again. 🙂
Good to know that, Ria. We did have a fab time. It always feels good to help, isn’t it? (“,)
Kudos for raising a son who knows how to extend a hand to those who have a need for it. I know it feels really good to do something good for others.
It does. Thank you. (“,)
What a cutie ringing that bell! It’s such a great feeling when you give to others.
It certainly is. Thank you. (“,)
I remember when the people standing here used to ask for donations but now they just say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas.
How nice. It’s so nice to see kids giving back! Such a little cutie ringing the bell!
It must be a life-changing experience for your son to do such a charitable act. Kudos to him and to you for being such supportive parents 🙂